Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole Recipe

Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole is basically breakfast magic for those mornings when you want to impress but don’t want to spend hours flipping slices of bread. Nothing wakes up a lazy weekend (or a school morning rush, let’s be honest) like the smell of cinnamon and baked apples. If you get a little obsessed with cozy flavors this time of year—just me?—you’re gonna love this. I discovered it right after making these easy 3 ingredient banana cinnamon rolls no yeast and trust me, I became a French toast casserole convert real quick. Let’s end soggy breakfasts for good.

Overnight French Toast Makes Breakfast Easy

I used to stand over the stove, making French toast slice by slice, watching everyone eat while I was stuck flipping. No fun. So let’s chat about the beauty of overnight prep. You just throw everything together the night before. It sits in the fridge—soaks up all the sweet, spiced goodness.

Next morning? You just pop it in the oven while you pour coffee or fix your hair. It’s beyond easy. The bread turns fluffy inside, golden outside. Bonus: your kitchen smells like you’re running a five-star restaurant. Skip the daily scramble, honestly. This will make your mornings smoother (and way more delicious).

How to Make Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole

Alright, here goes my real-person, not-so-perfect method for Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole. Don’t get nervous, it’s honestly as simple as making a sandwich.

First, grab a loaf of slightly stale bread—yes, old bread is actually better. Cube it up. Peel and chop a couple apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, pick your fighter). Butter an oven dish, toss the cubed bread and apples in there.

Next, whisk together a bunch of eggs, milk (I sometimes use half-and-half for extra creaminess), vanilla, a big scoop of cinnamon, a little nutmeg if you’re feeling jazzy, and a smidge of sugar. Pour this custard over the bread and apples. Gently press it down. Make sure the bread gets good and soaked—no dry bits, please.

Now, here’s my secret (tell your grandma I said hi): sprinkle brown sugar mixed with even a smidge more cinnamon for a caramelized top. Cover and stick in the fridge overnight. If you’re impatient, a couple hours works in a pinch.

Next day, bake uncovered at 350°F for 45-ish minutes. It should come out puffed and golden, and your kitchen will smell better than any candle aisle.

How Long Does French Toast Casserole Need To Cook?

Some folks get twitchy about cook times—trust me, so did I. For this Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole, 45 to 50 minutes usually does the trick at 350°F. If you like things crispier, give it closer to the hour mark.

Want to know if it’s done? Just poke a fork in the center. If it comes out mostly clean or juuust a little custardy (think bread pudding), you’re golden. If your top is browning too fast, throw a sheet of foil over it for the last part.

Waiting for breakfast is, truly, the hardest part. Kids (and adults) crowd around because it smells that good. But let it sit for about ten minutes before you slice in—or you’ll burn your mouth like I have way too many times.

Your Whole Family Will Love This Easy Breakfast Casserole

Even my picky eaters (I have a few in my house!) go in for seconds. I swear this Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole is a crowd-pleaser. It hits all the comfort notes—warm, cinnamony, gooey from the apples—without losing that bread-pudding vibe.

It’s also killer for potlucks, brunches, or even “breakfast for dinner” nights. Oh, and minimal mess? You can’t beat it. Since it bakes in one dish, cleanup is actually bearable.

“I made this last weekend for my in-laws and everyone went quiet except for the occasional happy noise. Best breakfast I’ve made in ages!” — Jamie L.

Honestly, I bring this out any time I’m secretly wanting an excuse for a nap after breakfast!

More French Toast Recipes You Might Like

If you’re hooked on making breakfast stress-free and cuddly (wait, can food be cuddly? Guess it can), I’ve got suggestions for you. Give are cinnamon rolls breakfast or dessert a read if you’re feeling indecisive about morning sweets. There’s actually no rule that says you have to pick one side.

You can also get creative with things like stuffed French toast (cream cheese, anyone?) or even experiment with different breads—brioche, sourdough, croissants, whatever’s lying around. Okay, I’m rambling now. Just try it—you might start a whole new morning tradition.

Common Questions

Can I use any type of bread?
Yep! French bread, challah, even sandwich bread. Use what you’ve got, but a slightly stale loaf soaks up that custard best.

Do I have to let it sit overnight?
Not exactly. A couple hours is enough sometimes, but overnight is when it gets maximum yum.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Totally. Use almond or oat milk, and swap the butter for coconut oil or a dairy-free spread.

What apples work the best?
Granny Smith gives a tart kick, but Honeycrisp or Gala are great too. Just avoid the mushy types.

Does it freeze well?
You bet. Slice leftovers, wrap ’em up good, and freeze. Reheat in the oven so it’s not soggy.

You’re Ready—Invite Someone Over!

That’s the lowdown on Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole. We covered the prep, the cook time, and even some sneaky tricks to get it perfect every single time. All that’s left is to pour a little maple syrup, call the family (or your roommates, or, heck, just yourself), and dig in.

If you’re on a big French toast kick, check out some recipes like Overnight Cinnamon Apple Baked French Toast Casserole Recipe or get inspired by baked nectarines with cinnamon honey sauce to switch things up. Go make your kitchen smell like cinnamon and apples—trust me, it’s worth it.

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